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If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to experience a beautifully preserved mountain town, Takayama should absolutely be on your list. This charming town in the heart of the Japanese Alps is packed with history, culture, and stunning nature—making it a perfect destination for families looking for a mix of adventure and tradition.
We’ve explored Takayama with kids and found it to be a fantastic place for families. It’s small enough to be walkable, has plenty of engaging activities, and is just the right balance of cultural immersion and fun. In this guide, we’ll share our top 15 family-friendly things to do in Takayama, along with tips to make your visit stress-free and enjoyable.
Planning your trip
Every parent knows the importance of planning – especially when you’re travelling with kids in a place like Japan.
We highly recommend staying in a traditional Ryokan in Takayama- we stayed at the fantastic Murasaki Ryokan. You can use the Irori for an additional fee – the staff will prepare and light the fire for you – and also include cooking utensils, kettle and tray for cooking. This Ryokan is relatively cheap, very tradtional and super cozy. We loved the sociable vibe here too! Also make sure you plan your transport: You can travel from Nagoya to Takayama on a very beautiful train journey – so if your exploring Nagoya, Takayama could be a great addition to your itinerary.
Don’t miss this self-guided walking tour of Takayama.
1. Wander Through the Miyagawa Morning Market
Location: Miyagawa River (Between Kaji Bridge and Yayoi Bridge)
Hours: 8 AM – 12 PM
One of the best ways to experience Takayama’s culture with kids is at the Miyagawa Morning Market. This vibrant market is perfect for a relaxed morning stroll, with plenty of fun snacks and handmade crafts to keep little ones entertained.
You’ll find everything from fresh fruit and traditional sweets to quirky souvenirs. One snack that our kids loved was Tamaten—a light, fluffy marshmallow-like treat that’s strangely addictive! Try a few different things and let the kids pick their own market snack—it makes for a fun foodie adventure.
Family Tip: If you’re visiting with younger kids, go earlier in the morning when the market is quieter and easier to navigate with a stroller.
2. Step Back in Time at Hida Folk Village
Location: 10-minute bus ride from Takayama Station
Entry Fee: Adults ¥700 | Kids ¥200
If your family enjoys interactive history experiences, then Hida Folk Village is a must-visit. This open-air museum is home to over 30 traditional farmhouses, relocated from villages across the Hida region. It’s a brilliant place for kids because they can freely explore the old wooden houses, climb up the steep ladder-like stairs, and even try hands-on crafts like weaving and woodcarving.
In winter, the thatched roofs are covered in snow, making it look like a real-life fairy tale village. And in summer, the small lake in the center is perfect for spotting fish and insects.
Family Tip: Bring a picnic! There aren’t many food options inside, but there are plenty of scenic spots to sit and enjoy a family meal.
3. Try Hida Beef Sushi at Sanmachi Street
Location: Sanmachi Suji, Old Town Takayama
Takayama is famous for Hida beef, a premium wagyu that rivals Kobe beef in quality. One of the best ways to try it (especially with kids who aren’t keen on big, heavy meals) is Hida beef sushi.
You’ll find stalls selling this local specialty along Sanmachi Street in Takayama’s Old Town. The sushi is served on a small cracker rather than rice, making it super easy for kids to eat. Even if they’re not big sushi fans, they might love this version!
Family Tip: If raw beef sounds too adventurous, look for grilled Hida beef skewers, which are just as delicious and more familiar for little ones.
4. Cross the Bridge at Nakabashi
Location: Near Takayama Jinya
Nakabashi Bridge is one of Takayama’s most iconic spots—especially in autumn when the bright red bridge contrasts beautifully with the golden leaves. But even outside of peak season, it’s a great place to stop and let the kids run across the bridge and spot fish in the river below.
It’s also right next to Takayama Jinya, a historic government building, so it’s an easy stop if you’re exploring the Old Town.
Family Tip: If you’re visiting in April or October, you might catch one of Takayama’s famous festivals, when beautifully decorated floats parade through the town.
5. Discover Hidden Temples Along the Higashiyama Walking Course
Location: Starts near Shiroyama Park
Time Required: 1 hour and easy to shorten
If your kids enjoy a bit of adventure, take them on the Higashiyama Walking Course. This scenic trail winds past more than a dozen temples and shrines, with plenty of interesting statues, forested paths, and even a small castle ruin along the way.
We love this walk because it’s easy to adapt to your family’s pace—you don’t have to do the whole thing. The section near Soyuji Temple is especially fun for kids because of the moss-covered statues and winding paths.
Family Tip: Bring snacks and water—there aren’t many places to stop along the way.
6. Experience a Traditional Onsen (Family-Friendly!)
Location: Various onsen in Takayama
If your family is up for a truly Japanese experience, visiting an onsen (hot spring bath) is a must. Takayama has several family-friendly onsens where kids can enjoy the experience too.
One of the best for families is Hidatei Hanaougi, which has private baths you can book so you don’t have to worry about onsen etiquette with little ones.
Family Tip: Many onsens are separated male and female – if kids are old enough to go, they will need to go in the correct area, so plan on this as a family. Private onsens are actually surprisingly rare around town – so if you do want a private onsen experience with your family check out the Hirayu-No-Mori Hot spring Resort (a few hours out of Takayama by bus)
7. Take a Day Trip to Shirakawa-go
Location: 50 min bus from Takayama Station
Entry Fee: Free (but some houses charge entry)
Ok, this one really was a true highlight for our family. If you have time in your itinerary, we highly recommend taking a trip to Shirakawa-go, a stunning village famous for its thatched-roof houses that look like something out of a storybook. There’s plenty of space for kids to run around, and lots of tasty food and treats to try. You do need to be organised because the busy get booked up quite early. If possible try to get to the bus station (next to the train station) the day before your trip and reserve your bus tickets in advance. Arrive nice and early before your bus departs so you can get on first and find some good seats on the bus for your family.
Family Tip: The bus ride can be a bit long for younger kids, so bring a book or activity to keep them entertained.
Other Family-Friendly Activities in Takayama
- Try the Ninja Cafe – Yep, this is a real thing and great for families. Don’t miss the Ninja cafe (with Ninja toast and real Ninja training sessions). It is situated on Honmachi Dori (2 minutes walk north of the Kaji Bridge)
- Visit Takayama Jinya – A historic government house with a huge tatami-mat hall for kids to explore. Don’t miss the full guide to Takayama Jinya
- Ride a Rickshaw Through Old Town – A fun way to give little legs a break while enjoying the sights.
- Check Out Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall – Stunning festival floats on display year-round.
- Take a Cooking Class – Learn how to make Hida-style ramen or mochi with local chefs.
- Explore Kusakabe Heritage House – A beautifully preserved merchant’s house where kids can explore freely.
- See the Giant Drum at Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine – Home to the biggest drum in Takayama.
- Try Traditional Japanese Sweets – Visit Fujimiya for some taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries) filled with chocolate or custard.
- Visit a Sake Brewery (Parents’ Treat!) – Many breweries offer free samples, and some even have kid-friendly amazake (non-alcoholic rice drink).
Takayama is one of our TOP PICK family-friendly destinations in Japan. It’s walkable (most things in town take around 20 – 30 minutes to walk between), has a relaxed atmosphere, and is packed with unique cultural experiences that kids can actually enjoy. Some roads around town lack footpaths – but the roads are pretty calm and not too busy. If you’re traveling in Japan as a family, Takayama is absolutely worth a stop. It’s a place where your family can explore, and discover a different side of Japan beyond the big cities.
